San Gabriel News

February 28, 2014

Teachers from St. Louise de Marillac School in Covina recently received grant monies to purchase field trips and technology for their classrooms. The teachers — Sharon Durkan, Nichole Valenzuela, Rita Smith, Librada Barragan and LeeAnn Ramirez — submitted proposals for the “Keeping History Alive” grant sponsored by APU and Los Angeles County Office of Education

Creativity, imagination highlight St. Christopher art show

You take wood, wire and pantyhose, and you create a sculpture … of Our Lady of Guadalupe?

Absolutely, and that was only one of the ways students of St. Christopher School in West Covina discovered and utilized their artistic talents, which were on display recently at the school’s annual art show in the parish hall, in conjunction with the school’s Open House. A wide variety of art styles --- such as installation art, street art and sculpture made with packing tape --- were exhibited by first to eighth graders.

Art fuels a student’s creativity which can help them in all aspects of their lives beyond elementary school, contends art teacher Janis Cassidy. “Every project imparts a lesson to the students,” she said.

The hundreds of works of art on display received excellent feedback, from current parents, prospective parents and parishioners,” said principal Olivia Carrillo. “One parent told me that they were ‘blown away’ by the level of creativity and quality.”

Perhaps one of the more intriguing uses of art materials was found in the sculptures of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “At first, the students were nervous to paint on the panty hose material, but once they realized how it helped outline the figure, they got into it,” said Cassidy.

She is proud of the school’s art program which unites students with good old-fashioned imagination. So many kids today, she noted, don’t even know how to pick up a pencil or brush because they are so used to computers, keyboards and smart phones.

“When you draw, physically draw, you are using all parts of your brain, that’s important for them because it’s about creativity,” Cassidy pointed out. “So you might not be an artist when you grow up? It doesn’t matter. It’s all about creativity. The person who grows up to find a cure for cancer is the one who knows how to use his creativity.”

Alumni return to Bosco Tech for National Engineers Week

Because Don Bosco Technical Institute focuses on science and engineering, National Engineers Week is a major event on the school’s Rosemead campus. This year, Bosco Tech alumni --- many of them scientists and engineers --- returned to their alma mater to share stories with current students about the world of engineering and the diverse professional opportunities.

Representing such companies as Northrop Grumman, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Fluor Corporation, several alumni made presentations ranging from designing the infrastructure for a power station to sending instructions to the Mars Rover. Students heard presentation and then asked questions.

“It was a really interesting event,” said Bosco Tech senior Donovan Gonzales who plans to major in mechanical engineering this fall at Purdue or Texas A&M University. “Getting professional information from Bosco Tech alumni who made careers in the engineering fields helps me to see my reachable goals. They’ve done it, and they’re telling us we can do it, too.”

“It’s a great experience to get to speak with current Techmen,” asserted alumnus Ignacio Corrales (class of ’67), a mechanical engineer at the Fluor Corporation. “Because they have so many opportunities ahead of them, it’s inspiring to encourage them to pursue studies in the engineering fields.”

Currently, more than 60 percent of Bosco Tech graduates pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related majors in their college and university studies.

Pregnancy Help Center event brings all ages together

The Auxiliary of the Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley hosted their 29th anniversary luncheon "Celebrating Children" at San Gabriel Country Club Feb. 10 with a fashion show featuring Auxiliary members and their children and grandchildren.

Based in Temple City, the Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley helps women in a crisis pregnancy and in need of supportive help, including ultrasound testing, parenting classes, a 24-hour helpline and supplies for babies until they are two years old. Information: (626) 309-0788.

Voices

Archbishop José H. Gomez

This morning, Pope Francis named Bishop Robert McElroy, Auxiliary of San Francisco, to be the new Bishop of San Diego, which is one of the six dioceses that make up the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Angeles.